🚍 Blog Post Part 2: When Help Isn’t Help
Transit messaging often tells passengers to “call the helpline” if they see a problem. But what happens when that advice isn’t enough?
Over the past year, I’ve seen hundreds of overdoses and drug-related incidents at bus stops and on buses between Surrey and Vancouver. In many cases, transit staff do not call authorities, and passengers are left feeling scared, powerless, and unsure of what to do.
Even when drivers direct you to a helpline (like 833 or 8777), it’s not always helpful. On one bus, I was given the wrong number and had to look it up myself. Imagine a student or vulnerable passenger in that situation — what do they do while waiting for help to arrive? Time can be critical, and the current system puts all responsibility on ordinary passengers rather than trained staff.
The reality is that safety depends on more than just “following the rules.” Passengers need real support, not empty instructions. That means:
- Trained staff who can respond to medical emergencies and overdoses.
- Clear, accurate contact numbers and rapid response protocols.
- A culture where everyone understands their role in maintaining safety, rather than assuming passengers must act alone.
Until then, vulnerable riders — students, seniors, and anyone at risk — continue to face unsafe conditions, and the messaging from transit authorities risks giving a false sense of security.
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